Edith Mack Hirsch was the second wife of Cuban-American entertainer Desi Arnaz, best known for his role in the iconic sitcom I Love Lucy. While her husband’s fame placed her in the public eye, Edith carved out a quiet, dignified life of her own as a humanitarian and devoted travelling companion. Her story offers a rare glimpse into a side of Hollywood history that rarely makes headlines, the loyal partner who chose privacy over the spotlight. This article explores who Edith Mack Hirsch really was, how she met Desi Arnaz, and what her legacy tells us today.
Edith Mack Hirsch: Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Edith Mack McSkimming Hirsch |
| Known As | Edith Mack Hirsch |
| Born | 15 April 1917, Illinois, United States |
| Died | 25 March 1985 (aged 67) |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Occupation | Humanitarian |
| Spouse | Desi Arnaz (married 1963 until 1985) |
| Previous Marriage | Clement L. Hirsch |
| Stepchildren | Lucie Arnaz, Desi Arnaz Jr. |
| Nationality | American |
| Notable For | Being the second wife of Desi Arnaz |
| Interests | Travel, charitable work |
Who Was Edith Mack Hirsch?
Edith Mack Hirsch was born Edith Mack McSkimming on 15 April 1917 in Illinois, United States. She is most widely recognised as the second wife of Desi Arnaz, whom she married in 1963 after his divorce from actress Lucille Ball.
Unlike her famous husband, Edith avoided the entertainment industry entirely. She was known instead for her charitable work and her passion for travel, which took her to nearly every state in America over the course of her lifetime.
Early Life and Background
Very little is documented about Edith’s childhood, family, or upbringing. Public records offer no confirmed details about her parents or siblings, which has left much of her early life shrouded in mystery.
What is known is that she grew up in Illinois and developed an early interest in helping others, a trait that would later define her adult life as a humanitarian. Friends and acquaintances often described her as thoughtful, compassionate, and genuinely curious about the world around her.
Edith’s First Marriage to Clement Hirsch
Before meeting Desi Arnaz, Edith was married to Clement L. Hirsch, a Missouri-born businessman who later found success as a thoroughbred racehorse owner in California. The couple’s marriage eventually ended in divorce, though the exact dates and circumstances were never made public.
Clement Hirsch went on to build a notable career in the horse racing industry and passed away in Newport Beach, California, in 2000, at the age of 85.
How Edith Met Desi Arnaz
Edith met Desi Arnaz in 1963, three years after his divorce from Lucille Ball. The pair reportedly hit it off quickly, and their relationship progressed at a fast pace.
After only six months of dating, Desi Arnaz and Edith Mack Hirsch married on 2 March 1963 at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, a date that also happened to be Desi’s 46th birthday. The wedding marked a significant turning point in Desi’s personal life, as he chose to scale back his demanding show business career to focus on his marriage.
Married Life With Desi Arnaz
Desi Arnaz and Edith remained married for 22 years, from 1963 until her death in 1985. Throughout their marriage, Desi worked far less in television and music than he had during his years with Lucille Ball, taking on only occasional projects such as executive producing The Mothers-in-Law and making guest appearances as the character Señor Delgado.
The couple did not have children together. However, Edith became a stepmother to Desi’s two children from his first marriage, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr., and the family reportedly maintained a warm, cordial relationship, even attending events such as Lucie’s wedding together.
Did Edith Mack Hirsch Have Children?
No, Edith Mack Hirsch did not have any biological children of her own. She served as a stepmother to Desi Arnaz’s two children, Lucie and Desi Jr., from his marriage to Lucille Ball.
Edith’s Humanitarian Work and Interests
Edith was widely regarded as a humanitarian, dedicating much of her time and energy to helping others rather than seeking public recognition. She rarely sought media attention, preferring instead to live a life away from the pressures of Hollywood fame.
Alongside her charitable interests, Edith had a genuine love of travel. She had visited nearly every state in America even before meeting Desi, and she often accompanied him on trips connected to his work, blending her passion for exploration with her role as a supportive spouse.
Edith Mack Hirsch’s Death
Edith Mack Hirsch passed away on 25 March 1985 at the age of 67, following a battle with cancer. Her death brought an end to a 22-year marriage that had provided Desi Arnaz with stability during the later years of his life.
Desi Arnaz himself passed away just over a year later, on 2 December 1986, from lung cancer. Those close to the couple noted that Desi never fully recovered from the loss of his wife, and their bond remained strong right up until her passing.
How Did Desi Arnaz’s Wife Die?
Edith Mack Hirsch died of cancer on 25 March 1985. She was 67 years old at the time of her death, having been married to Desi Arnaz for 22 years.
Why Edith Mack Hirsch Still Matters Today
Although Edith Mack Hirsch never sought fame for herself, her story remains relevant because it highlights a quieter, more private chapter in the life of a major Hollywood figure. She represents the partners who choose to support rather than compete with a famous spouse’s legacy.
Her marriage to Desi Arnaz also demonstrates how personal stability can shape a public figure’s later career, as Desi noticeably stepped back from show business after their wedding, prioritising his home life over his professional ambitions.
Conclusion
Edith Mack Hirsch may not have been a household name, but her role in Desi Arnaz’s life was significant and enduring. From her early years in Illinois to her 22-year marriage with one of television’s most beloved stars, Edith lived a life defined by compassion, curiosity, and quiet strength. Her story serves as a reminder that behind many famous names stand equally remarkable people who simply chose to live life on their own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Edith Mack Hirsch?
Edith Mack Hirsch was an American humanitarian best known as the second wife of Cuban-American entertainer Desi Arnaz. She married Arnaz in 1963 and remained married to him until her death in 1985.
When did Edith Mack Hirsch marry Desi Arnaz?
Edith married Desi Arnaz on 2 March 1963 at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. The couple stayed married for 22 years until Edith’s death.
Did Edith Mack Hirsch have children with Desi Arnaz?
No, Edith and Desi did not have any biological children together. She did, however, become a stepmother to Desi’s two children from his previous marriage to Lucille Ball.
How did Edith Mack Hirsch die?
Edith Mack Hirsch died on 25 March 1985 at the age of 67 after battling cancer. Her death came a year before her husband, Desi Arnaz, passed away from lung cancer.
Was Edith Mack Hirsch married before Desi Arnaz?
Yes, Edith was previously married to Clement L. Hirsch, a businessman and racehorse owner. Their marriage ended in divorce before she met Desi Arnaz in 1963.
